Sky Sports: Everton ’s Third Bid for Southampton Starlet Tyler Dibling Rejected

 

 

Everton’s determined chase for one of English football’s rising young talents has hit another roadblock, as Sky Sports reports that the Merseyside club’s third offer for Southampton winger Tyler Dibling has been rejected. Despite growing optimism around the deal, the Saints are holding firm on their valuation, and the Toffees must now decide whether to meet their £45 million asking price or walk away.

The 19-year-old winger, hailed as one of the Championship’s most exciting prospects, has long been on Everton’s radar. The Toffees had initially submitted a £27 million bid which was swiftly turned down. In an effort to push the deal over the line, Everton returned with two more offers — the latest understood to be a package worth approximately £43 million, including £35 million upfront and a further £8 million in performance-related add-ons. However, Southampton have made it clear they will not accept anything less than their £45 million valuation.

Southampton’s resolve to keep their prized asset stems from their belief in Dibling’s long-term potential. Sources close to the club have indicated they view the teenage winger as one of the cornerstones of their future, and former manager Russell Martin even claimed during his tenure that Dibling should one day command a fee in the region of £100 million, such is his ceiling.

Dibling’s absence from the first-team squad in Southampton’s recent 2-2 preseason draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at St Mary’s only fueled speculation over his future. Interestingly, he did feature earlier that same day in a behind-closed-doors friendly — a 60-minute match also against Brighton — possibly a precaution to avoid injury ahead of a potential transfer.

Everton’s interest in Dibling is not unfounded. The England youth international is widely regarded as a dynamic winger with excellent dribbling skills, close control, and a natural eye for threading passes in the final third. At just 19, he already boasts a strong physical presence and isn’t easily dispossessed, which adds to his appeal as a Premier League-ready player. Scouts have repeatedly praised his ability to take on defenders, create chances, and contribute defensively when needed — qualities that would suit David Moyes’ high-intensity system.

The Toffees are clearly building for the future and are eager to inject more youth and creativity into their squad. Should they manage to secure Dibling’s signature, it would mark a major statement of intent from the club’s recruitment team and sporting leadership.

Meanwhile, Everton are close to wrapping up another significant signing in the form of central midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea. With that deal nearing completion, focus is expected to shift toward reinforcing the right-back position — one of the final pieces in Moyes’ puzzle as he reshapes the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Still, the club’s management knows how vital wide players are in today’s game, particularly those with the versatility, flair, and physicality that Dibling brings. With the winger showing no signs of signing a new contract at Southampton and top-tier clubs keeping tabs on him, Everton are looking to steal a march on their rivals by moving decisively in the current window.

Whether the Toffees return with a fourth and final offer that meets the Saints’ demands remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that the saga is far from over. Southampton’s firm stance is understandable given Dibling’s talent and contract status, but with Everton so close to the £45 million mark, a deal could yet be struck in the coming days — one that could reshape both clubs’ transfer outlooks this summer.